The Iran Freedom Support Act (H.R. 282) was introduced last year in the House by Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FLA), Tom Lantos (D-CA), Howard Berman (D-CA) and Steve Chabot (R-OH). This bill has been scheduled for markup on March 16, 2006, by the House Committee on International Relations.
The prospect of Iran possessing nuclear weapons is truly frightening to the United States and its allies. U.S. and Israeli leaders have expressed great concern regarding the Iranian development of unconventional weapons capabilities, its support for international terrorism and its suppression of the human rights of its own people. For almost twenty years, Iran hid its nuclear programs from the world. Since the discovery of these efforts, the Islamic republic has repeatedly defied the international community by continuing and even stepping up their work to upgrade and advance its nuclear program. Further, Iran’s president has publicly stated his intention to “wipe Israel off the map” and has routinely denied the historical fact of the Holocaust.
In response, Congress has been seeking to hold the Iranian terrorist regime accountable for its policies and activities that threaten U.S. and global security. The Iran Freedom Support Act amends the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) of 1996 by strengthening and codifying U.S. sanctions imposed on the Iranian regime for its sponsorship and support of international terrorism. It seeks to eliminate investments in Iran’s petroleum industry and would expand the parameters of the previous sanctions legislation. This bill would also provide assistance to pro-democracy forces and groups in Iran and would fund independent broadcasts to Iran.
Iran must cease its support for terrorism and its race to develop nuclear weapons. The Iran Freedom Support Act will help pressure the terrorist regime while supporting those engaged in fighting for freedom and political liberalization.
Immediate Action Necessary
WE URGE YOU TO ENCOURAGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO SUPPORT AND SIGN ON TO THIS BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION.
PLEASE CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AT 202-224-3121 AND EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR H.R. 282, THE IRAN FREEDOM SUPPORT ACT.